Guardiola’s delight as Messi deal nears

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is delighted the treble winners are on the verge of tying Lionel Messi to a new long-term deal.

Messi is set to put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at the Nou Camp until 2016 and the Barca boss is overjoyed at the news.

“It’s an immense piece of news for the club and for the player that Messi is renewing his contract,” said Guardiola. “As it also was when Victor Valdes and Xavi did so.

“People go to football to see the best and that’s what they are.

“It’s a privilege for Barca to have some of the best footballers like Messi.”

The Argentina playmaker, whose current contract is set to run out in 2014, will become the best paid player at the club while his release clause has also been increased from 150million euros to 250.

The 22-year-old joined Barca as a youth team player in 2000.